That’d be a weird way to start a conversation.
If you get to think of it, asking “Can I be honest with you?” sounds just as weird.
Because, if you get to ask that question, your counterparty will think “So you weren’t being honest up till now?”
It also implies to yourself that you’re holding things up “waiting for the right moment”… which is quite probable to never arrive.
Blair Enns takes this approach of “Kind ruthlessness“. You keep the behavior of saying what you think —being ruthless on what you need to do. And you say it with kind words.
“The sooner you can say what you think the less emotion you will attach to the words. The angst is created by the gap in time between when you have the thought and when you finally utter it.
The longer you hold it in the more likely it is to come out as mean, bitchy or unprofessional. So just say it and say it soon.”
The longer you hold it in the more likely it is to come out as mean, bitchy or unprofessional. So just say it and say it soon.”
Your clients will appreciate it.
And your peace of mind, too.